The reported exploit does not work on accounts with two-step verification enabled, which Apple introduced yesterday, and does away with the security question in favor of sending a four-digit PIN code to a cell phone that needs to be entered along with the typical password.

"Apple takes customer privacy very seriously," an Apple spokesperson told CNET. "We are aware of this issue and working on a fix."

In the interim, the company put its password reset tools into maintenance mode. Apple did not provide an estimate for when they would be back up again.

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Account security is a touchy subject for Apple and any other tech company these days, especially after the high-profile hacking of a technology journalist last year. That all kicked off with an iCloud account and eventually led to access of his personal e-mail and Twitter accounts. Apple and others have hardened their account security since.

Apple has more than 500 million active Apple ID accounts as part of its system. Those accounts are used for its various stores and online services, including iCloud.

Update at 1:30 p.m. PT to note that Apple put its password reset tools in maintenance mode, and once again at 3:25 p.m. PT with comment from the company.

About the author

Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and now covers Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about everything from new Web start-ups, to remote-controlled robots that watch your house. Prior to joining CNET, Josh covered breaking video game news, as well as reviewing game software. His current console favorite is the Xbox 360.
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